Pokémon Gold: Emu Edition is basically the classic GBC adventure, but tweaked just enough to feel fresh if you've played the original a hundred times. You still start in New Bark Town, pick your starter (Cyndaquil forever, fight me), and wander through Johto battling trainers and catching Pokémon—but there are some subtle changes in wild encounters and item placements that keep you on your toes.

The emulation runs smooth, and the colors pop like they should on a GBC screen. No weird glitches or crashes, which is always a relief with these fan-made versions. If you’ve been itching to revisit Johto but want something slightly different, this one’s a solid pick. Just don’t expect a full-blown romhack with new storylines or anything wild.